The Academy Invites Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Chastain and Jonah Hill as New Members

Among the other actors who are invited to join the AMPAS are Jean Dujardin, Viola Davis, Melissa McCarthy, Andy Serkis, Bryan Cranston and Kerry Washington.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is about to add plenty of new members. The committee has invited 176 acclaimed names in movie industry, including actors, directors, cinematographers, executives, and more. Among the actors who are given the membership invitations are Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Chastain and Jonah Hill.

Of those who get this year's Academy invitations, the Academy President Tom Sherak says, "These film professionals represent some of the most talented, most passionate contributors to our industry. I'm glad to recognize that by calling each of them a fellow Academy member."

"It is progress," he later tells L.A. Times. "Fourteen percent is up from last year. You have to have the qualifications to get in. It's not easy to find especially in the age groups we are talking about, which are naturally older. So I'm happy it went up, but what we have to ensure is that the people who get in deserve to be in the academy. That's decided by the branches, not the academy."

The new members will be welcomed at an invitation-only ceremony, which is scheduled to be held in September. Complete list of the invitees can be obtained at the Academy official site.